NBA Comparison: Jalen Brunson

Strengths: Developed into a star in his senior year at Oregon … Fearless competitor and big game performer at the point guard position … High percentage three-point shooter with limitless range … Excellent shooter in the catch-and-shoot game … Sees the court very well and is an accurate passer… Fearless and an inspirational leader … Efficient scorer at the free throw line … Takes care of the ball well even with his high usage rate … Athletic two-way player who averaged over a steal per game in his career … Dynamic scorer both on the drive and from beyond the arc … Can create his own shot with above average ball-handling, a fluid shooting motion and limitless range … Can play both on ball point guard and off-screen sharpshooter … High motor player who shows up when he is needed … Consistent player who never seems to disappear even on off-shooting nights, finding ways to contribute and help his team win … Shows leadership and mental toughness, a desire to compete and doesn’t get rattled easily … Decent size at the point guard position with a 6’4 wingspan at 6’2 … Proved to be a clutch performer in big games and situations, as he proved against Michigan with his early season stand out performance …

Weaknesses: Despite high free-throw percentage, he struggles to draw fouls and get to the line … One of the older point guards in the draft … Foot speed limits his defensive ability at the next level to some degree … His shot selection is often inconsistent and sometimes reckless, but this could improve as his usage rate goes down … His ceiling in his first couple years is a quality minute role player … His speed, athleticism, and physical profile (6’2, 195 pounds) could make for a difficult transition to the next level … Could struggle against speedy point guards … Can be a little careless with the ball at times, but seemed to improve with ball security as his college career progressed …

Outlook: Projects as an early-mid second round selection … It’s difficult to see him stepping into a starter role if he is drafted late to a quality team … Should be an off the bench impact shooter early in his career …

Notes: Measured 6’0.5 without shoes, 6’2 with shoes, 206 lbs, with a 6’4 wingspan and 7’11 standing reach at the June 2017 USA U19 tryouts … 4-year starter at Oregon … Consensus 1st team All-American in his senior year … 6’2, 190 pound point-guard … Projected early-mid second round pick … Was on a short list of National Player of the Year candidates in his Senior season …

Derek Bast 4/3/20